Hormonal Acne – How to Tell If You Have Hormonal Acne
If your spots tend to flare up at predictable times during your menstrual cycle or around ovulation, you may have hormonal acne. Here’s how to tell, along with the best ways to get rid of it.
去荷爾蒙斑 acne occurs when your oil glands produce too much sebum, clogging pores and encouraging the growth of bacteria. This type of acne usually affects teens during puberty, but it can reappear in adulthood due to fluctuating hormones or hormonal disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Hormone Harmony: Strategies for Clearer, Healthier Skin
The most common symptoms of hormonal spots are enlarged pores, whiteheads and blackheads. During puberty, these spots often appear on the T-zone of your face (nose, forehead and chin) but can also appear on your shoulders, back or chest. The main difference between hormonal and bacterial acne is the location of the blemishes: Hormonal spots appear as closed comedones—white with a soft, grayish top or black after sebum mixes with air—whereas bacterial breakouts are open and filled with pus.
You’re likely dealing with hormonal spots if you have a pronounced T-zone or chin/jawline area of your face, and the blemishes are painful or throbbing when touched or washed. You may also notice a pattern: For example, hormonal acne tends to flare up right before your period or around ovulation, and it might also be more prominent during stressful times in your life, such as midterms, a relationship stressor or a big project at work. The good news is that this type of acne can be treated, whether you’re using birth control, retinoids or antibiotics.